As much as the voice in my head screams at me to open up to someone, I feel like I can't. Like I am weak. But when I dance, I'm not weak. I can be whatever I want to be and no one can look down on me. Not even myself. I can open up to hundreds of people and show them exactly what I feel without whispering a single word. Dancing can make me feel sad, excited, beautiful, or anything else the music and the adrenaline make me feel. Like music or painting, you can express any emotion. I believe that's why so many people fall in love with dance, it makes you feel. It's beautiful to feel that feeling in yourself and see it on other dancers on social media, in competitions, or even in your studio. Watching people a few years younger than me grow into confident dancers is the most heart-warming thing. As I mentioned before, I struggle with feeling weak. I lost all of my confidence in freshman year. It felt like everything was falling apart. Dance was my escape; it was the only thing I seemed to be doing right that year; without it, who knows where I would be? Because of dance, I have met many inspiring people who have changed my life. All of my teachers, coaches, and dance friends have instilled in me the confidence, morals, and work ethic that I have used to become who I am today. I have become more focused on my academics throughout high school earning all A's every year to remain dancing on my teams. My teachers and coaches are also to thank for helping me be more involved in my community and school. Participating in local fundraisers and events, and becoming the ASB Class Vice President, and Drama Club Vice President are all things I couldn't have done without them guiding me along the way. I have so much respect for the men and women who have fueled my passion and truly saved my life. I will forever be so grateful for what they have done for me. My dance experience began when I was almost three years old. I started ballet, tap, flamenco, and Latin dance classes. Once I started high school, I was also into hip hop, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. I also enjoyed teaching private lessons and substituting classes at my studio. Eventually, I began choreographing, and that changed everything. Being able to see my choreography on other dancers and seeing how they make it their own is so special. I choreograph and perform with my team all year as well as compete. I want to continue to be able to express myself, which is why I will do everything I can to continue dancing. Depending on the school I attend, I plan to minor in dance and teach classes on the side. If I become a high school teacher, I also want to become a dance team coach. Because of the profound impact, my coaches have had on me, I would love to have that effect on someone's life. Dance will always be a part of me; no matter where life takes me, I will always remember it as the best thing to ever happen to me.